Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers found in BC, with around 3,500 people receiving a breast cancer diagnosis each year. Regular screening mammograms can find breast cancer early, often before it has spread. This Breast Cancer Awareness month, be proactive about your health – book a screening mammogram in your area today.
Screening mammograms are available to most women, and many Two-Spirit, trans and gender-diverse individuals, 40 years and older with no symptoms.
To book a screening mammogram, call 1-800-663-9203, or online if you have a screening reminder letter. More information about booking an appointment, including getting connected to a primary care provider to support screening, can be found here: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/breast/get-screened
BC Cancer’s breast screening program offers no-cost screening mammograms to eligible people in BC. A screening mammogram consists of four images (two of each breast) that look for hidden cancer in those who are healthy with no symptoms and have never had breast cancer. Mammograms can usually find lumps two to three years before a person or their primary care provider can feel them.
“Mammograms save lives by detecting breast cancers early, often before they have spread and when more treatment options are available,” says Rableen Nagra, director, Breast & Lung Screening Operations at BC Cancer. “More people in BC are being diagnosed with breast cancer, but fewer are dying from the disease. This is in large part due to early detection and treatment.”
It is recommended that eligible individuals ages 40 to 74 who have a parent, full-sibling or child with breast cancer receive a mammogram every year. Eligible individuals ages 40 to 74 without a family history of breast cancer can schedule a mammogram every two years.
Please note that with the disruption to Canada Post services, individuals due for a mammograph won’t receive their reminder in the mail as usual. If you think you’re due, check for your reminder on Health Gateway or by speaking with your health care provider.
For more information, visit www.ScreeningBC.ca/breast.